Magic Blocks

ABSTRACT

Magic Blocks are a construction blocks game that is both fun and educational. It consists of four distinct individual pieces. The four pieces that make up this game are identified as Rectangle Block (FIG.  1 ), Square Block, (FIG.  5 ), Rectangle Connector (FIG.  9 ), and Square Connector (FIG.  10 ). The Rectangle Block and the Square Block are made up of panels which contain both male locks, and female locks. The Rectangle Connector and the Square Connector contain only female locks. The game works by folding the Rectangle and the Square Blocks, respectively, along their scored edges then stacking the folded blocks on top of one another with the male locks going into the female locks of the block placed below it. Objects can be built horizontally as well as vertically.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pat. No. Issue Date Inventor 3,558,138 Jan. 26, 1971 Lemelson 3,941,038Mar. 2, 1976 Bishop 3,946,514 Mar. 30, 1976 Joslyn 4,003,144 Jan. 18,1977 Maddestra 4,035,947 Jul. 19, 1977 Burge 4,055,019 Oct. 25, 1977Harvey 4,676,762 Jun. 30, 1987 Ballard 5,795,210 Aug. 18, 1998 Kushner6,231,272 May 15, 2001 Bishop 5,647,185 Jul. 15, 1997 Forlini 5,365,714Nov. 22, 1994 Potvin 5,987,829 Nov. 23, 1999 Fisher 5,910,086 Jun. 8,1999 Fisher 5,970,673 Oct. 26, 1999 Fisher 5,928,052 Jul. 27, 1999Buscher 5,964,635 Oct. 12, 1999 Krog 6,010,279 Jan. 4, 2000 Taylor-Smith6,645,033 Nov. 11, 2003 Thomsen

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The idea of inventing Magic Blocks came about because of a personalsituation I encountered in my life. I have the equipment and thesoftware to create different things out of paper with the CAD system. Iwas helping a local program in my area called Building Blocks whichworks with children that need assistants with developing skills such asmotor skills. This program helps children improve their motor skills byhaving the children play with Lego's and other similar educational toys.Using my background with over 21 years of experience in the packagingand development field, I decided one day, to create a constructionblocks game in which the pieces were made out of paper, as a way to helpkids to improve their motor skills. The idea of creating a constructionblock system made entirely out of paper made a lot of sense to me as itposed a great deal of advantages. Paper is a great alternative materialto use instead of what is available to the public, more environmentalfriendly, safer, cheaper and more versatile alternative. I presented myinvention to the teachers that ran the Building Blocks program to testthe invention, and allowed them the opportunity to use it and have theirstudents play with it.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a top view of the Rectangle Block which consists of 6 malelocks (FIG. 1 a), 7 female locks (FIG. 2), one of which is a femaledouble lock (FIG. 2 b), 5 panels (FIG. 3), and 4 flaps (FIG. 4). Panels1, 2, 3 and 4 (FIG. 3) can be folded up or down, depending on which sideof the block the user wants to be visible. All the panels must be foldedin the same direction in order for them to work properly duringconstruction. The male locks located at the very bottom of the foldedblock are used during assembly to connect it to a block and/or connectorpieces female locks. The female locks (FIG. 2) located on the very topof the folded Rectangle Block create a 1/16 opening allowing the malelocks of another block piece to be connected to it. The 4 flaps (FIG. 4)are folded inward and create a clearance for the male locks on theadjacent panels.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the Square block which consists of 4 malelocks (FIG. 5 a), 4 female locks (FIG. 6), 5 panels (FIG. 7), and 4flaps (FIG. 8). Panels 1,2,3 and 4 (FIG. 7) can be folded up or down,depending on which side of the block the user wants to be visible. Allthe panels must be folded in the same direction in order for them towork properly during construction. The male locks located at the verybottom of the folded block are used during assembly to connect it to ablock and/or connector pieces female locks. The female locks (FIG. 6)located on the very top of the folded Square Block create a 1/16 openingallowing the male locks of another block piece to be connected to it.The 4 flaps (FIG. 8) are folded inward and create a clearance for themale locks on the adjacent panels.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the Rectangle Connector piece. The RectangleConnector is made up of 7 female locks (FIG. 9 a), one of which is afemale double lock (7). The female locks are used to connect two blockstogether in any direction, allowing you to build horizontally whetherthe blocks are lined up in the same direction, or perpendicular to oneanother. The female double lock has the ability to hold two maleconnectors from two separate blocks while in the process connecting themtogether.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the Square Connector piece. The SquareConnector is made up of 4 female locks (FIG. 10 a). The Square Connectoris used in conjunction with the small block to close off corners and theend points of an object.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the four individual pieces which make up theMagic Blocks game. The Rectangle Block and the Square Block start offflat. Before construction of an object can begin, the user must foldthese two blocks along their already scored edges as illustrated in FIG.11 a. Once the blocks are folded properly, they are then ready to beassembled together to build a 3-dimensional object. The first step tobuilding an object is to create a base. FIG. 12 shows a perspective viewof the blocks being used to create a base. The blocks are placed upsidedown, either adjacent or perpendicular to one another. Connect theblocks together using the Rectangle Connector piece, and you havesuccessfully created a base from which to begin building upon. FIG. 12 aillustrates how the blocks are added one on top of another to buildvertically. There is no limit to how many blocks you can use to build anobject.

There is no limit to the size, shape, width, height or type of objectthat can be created using U.S. Magic Blocks. FIG. 12 b shows aperspective view of two example objects (robot, house) which were builtusing the blocks. The blocks generally have a texture printed on theirtop side. Since they are reversible however, they can be folded with theclear white side facing the outside. This creates an entirely newdimension of creativeness by allowing the user to color/paint an objectafter it has been built. The creating possibilities are endless.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of the Rectangle Block. It is made up of 5 panels,6 male locks, 6 female locks, and 1 female double lock.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the Rectangle Blocks male locks, labeled 1-6.These locks connect Rectangle Block to other blocks by insertingthemselves and locking into the female locks on which they are placedinto.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the Rectangle Block's male lock including itsmeasurements and specifications.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the Rectangle Block's Female Locks, labeled1-6. These female locks act as place holders for the male locks of theblocks being placed on top of them.

FIG. 2B: is a top view of a Rectangle Block's single Female Lock,including its measurements and specifications.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the Rectangle Block's Female Double Lock,including measurements and specifications. The Female Double Block isable to hold two Male Locks simultaneously.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the Rectangle Block's different panels, labeled1-5. These panels are folded down turning the flat block into a3-dimensional block.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the Rectangle Block's center panel, labeled 5.Each of the four other panels attach to the sides of this center panel.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the Rectangle Block's panels 2 & 4specifications.

FIG. 3D is a top view of the Rectangle Block's panels 1 & 3specifications.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the Rectangle Block's Fold Down Flaps, labeled1-4.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the Rectangle Block's single Fold Down FlapSpecification.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the Rectangle Block folded from a flatpiece to a 3-dimensional piece.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the Rectangle Block's folded from aflat piece to a 3-dimensional piece. (with hidden lines visible)

FIG. 5A is a top view of the Square Block. This Block consists of 5panels, 4 male locks, and 4 female locks.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the Square Block's Male Locks, labeled 1-4.These locks connect the Square Block to other blocks by insertingthemselves and locking into the female locks on which they are placedinto.

FIG. 5C is a top view of the Square Block's male lock specifications.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the Square Block's female locks, labeled 1-4.These female locks act as place holders for the male locks of the blocksbeing placed on top of them.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the Square Block's female lock specifications.

FIG. 7A is a top view of the Square Block's panels, labeled 1-5. Thesepanels are folded down turning the flat block into a 3-dimensionalblock.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the Square Block's center panel, labeled 5.Each of the four other panels attach to the sides of this center panel.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the Square Block's panels 1,2,3, & 4specifications.

FIG. 8A is a top view of the Square Block's Fold Down Flaps, labeled1-4.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the Square Block's Fold Down Flapspecifications.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the Square Block folded from a flatpiece into a 3-dimensional piece.

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the Square Block folded from a flatpiece into a 3-dimensional piece. (with hidden lines visible)

FIG. 9A is a top view of the Rectangle Connector piece. This piece ismade up of 6 female locks, and one female double lock.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the Rectangle Connector's female locks, labeled1-6, and one female double lock, labeled 7.

FIG. 9C is a top view of the Rectangle Connector's female lockspecifications.

FIG. 9D is a top view of the Rectangle Connector's female double lockspecifications.

FIG. 10A is a top view of the Square Connector.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the Square Connector's female locks, labeled1-4.

FIG. 10C is a top view of the Square Connector's female lockspecifications.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a Rectangle Block and a Square Blockfolded and placed upside down. Once they are placed aside one another,they are connected together by a Rectangle Connector piece. The purposeof doing this is to create a base on which to build upon.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the Rectangle Block and the SquareBlock being connected by a Rectangle connector piece, forming a base onwhich to build upon.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a Rectangle Block being added to thebase that was created in FIG. 11B. When attaching Block Pieces onto thebase, they are done so with the male locks facing down, so they insertinto the female locks of the base and connector pieces, securingthemselves in the process.

FIG. 11D is the same as FIG. 11C, only taken a step further. Additionalblocks are assembled on top of one another allowing you to buildvertically.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example object, a robot, that wasbuilt using Magic Blocks.

ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several advantages of my invention are:

-   -   (a) they are made from 100% biodegradable paper and do not        contain plastics or any other chemicals.    -   (b) they provide limitless benefits for a child's physical,        social, creative and intellectual development.    -   (c) extremely safe, lightweight, yet strong and assemble easily.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a top view of the Rectangle Block which consists of 6 malelocks (FIG. 1B), 7 female locks (FIG. 2A), one of which is a femaledouble lock (FIG. 2C), 5 panels (FIG. 3A), and 4 flaps (FIG. 4A). Panels1,2,3 and 4 (FIG. 3A) can be folded up or down, depending on which sideof the block the user wants to be visible. All the panels must be foldedin the same direction, up or down, in order for them to work properlyduring construction. The male locks located at the very bottom of thefolded block are used during assembly to connect it to a block and/orconnector piece's female locks. The female locks (FIG. 2A) located onthe very top of the folded Rectangle Block create a 1/16 openingallowing the male locks of another block piece to be connected to it.The 4 flaps (FIG. 4A) are folded inward and create a clearance for themale locks on the adjacent panels.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the Square block which consists of 4 malelocks (FIG. 5B), 4 female locks (FIG. 6A), 5 panels (FIG. 7A), and 4flaps (FIG. 8A). Panels 1,2,3 and 4 (FIG. 7A) can be folded up or down,depending on which side of the block the user wants to be visible. Allthe panels must be folded in the same direction in order for them towork properly during construction. The male locks located at the verybottom of the folded block are used during assembly to connect it to ablock and/or connector pieces female locks. The female locks (FIG. 6A)located on the very top of the folded Square Block create a 1/16 openingallowing the male locks of another block piece to be connected to it.The 4 flaps (FIG. 8A) are folded inward and create a clearance for themale locks on the adjacent panels.

FIG. 9A shows a top view of the Rectangle Connector piece. The RectangleConnector is made up of 7 female locks (FIG. 9B), one of which is afemale double lock (7). The female locks are used to connect two blockstogether in any direction, allowing you to build horizontally whetherthe blocks are lined up in the same direction, or perpendicular to oneanother. The female double lock has the ability to hold two maleconnectors from two separate blocks while in the process connecting themtogether.

FIG. 10A shows a top view of the Square Connector piece. The SquareConnector is made up of 4 female locks (FIG. 10B) The Square Connectoris used in conjunction with the small block to close off corners and theend points of an object.

Once the blocks are folded properly, they are then ready to be assembledtogether to build a 3-dimensional object. The first step to building anobject is to create a base. FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of aRectangle Block and a Square Block folded and placed upside down. Thisis the first step in the base creation process. The two blocks are thenconnected together with a large connector (FIG. 11B). This series ofsteps can then be repeated over and over again until the desired resultis achieved. Once the base has been created, you can begin buildingvertically. Blocks can begin to be connected to the base as shown inFIG. 11C. Additional blocks can be added continuously on top of oneanother as illustrated in FIG. 11D.

There is no limit to the size, shape, width, height or type of objectthat can be created using Magic Blocks. FIG. 12 shows a perspective viewof a robot created by using the blocks. The blocks generally have atexture printed on their top side. Since they are reversible however,they can be folded with the clear white side facing the outside. Thiscreates an entirely new dimension of creativeness by allowing the userto color/paint an object after it has been built. The createpossibilities are endless.

1) A fully functional and unique construction block game consisting of:a) a Rectangle Block made up of 6 male locks, 7 female locks, one ofwhich is a double lock, 5 panels, and 4 flaps. b) a Square Block made upof 4 male locks, 7 female locks, 5 panels, and 4 flaps. c) a RectangleConnector comprised of 7 female locks, one of which is a double lock. d)a Square Connector comprised of 4 female locks. e) a construction blocksystem designed to work with cardboard with a thickness ranging from0.016-0.030; on plastic sheets with a thickness range of 0.016-0.050;and on corrugated board with a thickness range of 0.125-0.375 (E-flute).That includes Micro Flutes A,B,C, and E. 2) One type of male lock usedby the Square Block and the Rectangle Block that is capable of: a)connecting into any type of female lock and securing itself. 3) Threedifferent types of female locks including: a) a single female lock ableto hold one male lock. b) a double female lock able to hold two malelocks simultaneously. c) a female lock located on the top side of boththe Square and the Rectangle blocks that is score attached. 4)Trapezoidal shaped female locks used to: a) provide the male locks withan easy way to connect into the female locks using the wider side of thetrapezoidal opening. b) provide a way for the male locks to securethemselves into the female locks they are being connected into by havingthem shift from the wider side of the trapezoidal female lock opening tothe slightly shorter side once they are connected, securing its locationin the process. 5) A trapezoidal shaped female double lock that: a)provides an easy way for the two male locks placed into it to slide inand out, while also enabling them to be secured at the same time byshifting from the wider side, to the slightly shorter side. 6) One typeof flap located on the Square Block and the Rectangle Block that: a)provides stability and strength when building simple objects. b)provides stability and strength when building complex objects thatrequire a large amount of blocks stacked on top of one another. c)provides a clearance for the male locks allowing them to connect andsecure themselves into the score attached female locks. 7) Aconstruction block system that: a) uses a Rectangle Block and a SquareBlock that are foldable along its scored edges. b) uses 4 symmetricalpieces designed and cut to correspond perfectly with one another in avariety of different ways. c) uses 4 symmetrical pieces that are 100%reversible, meaning they can be folded and assembled in eitherdirection. c) are capable of being used to build 3-dimensional objectsin which the outside shell can be completely closed in all directions.